Danville Bank Robber Caught On Camera, Cops Say

DANVILLE, CA — A man suspected of robbing a Danville bank late Thursday morning may have also tried to rob a bank in San Ramon and could be connected with a handful of other robberies across the state, police said. Police said the suspect used a firearm to rob a teller at the First Republic Bank in San Ramon just before noon.

Police responded to 680 Hartz Avenue to investigate the robbery but the suspect had already fled with cash in hand. No one was injured during the incident.

The suspect is in his 40s or 50s and has acne scars on his face. He is 6 feet 1 inches tall and weighs between 260 and 270 pounds. He wearing tan cargo pants, a salmon polo shirt and a white hat with the American flag on it at the time of the robbery, police said.

Police said the suspect may be linked to the robbery attempt in San Ramon and successful robberies across the state. The FBI is searching for the 'Faux Badge Bandit,' who matches the description of the suspect in the recent Tri-Valley robberies and is wanted for at least four robberies in Southern California. The suspect in those cases wore a seven-point badge on his hip, according to authorities.

"We are working with San Ramon Police and the FBI, as we believe he may be the same person who has committed robberies in the South Bay, as well as the Southern California and Sacramento areas," Danville Police Chief Allan Shields told Patch.

About an hour after the Danville robbery, a man allegedly tried to rob the US Bank inside a San Ramon Safeway store. Police said the man ran from the store after teller refused to give him cash.

• Would-Be Bank Robber On The Run After Teller Refuses To Give Cash

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Steve Stapleton at 925-314-3700 or sstapleton@danville.ca.gov. Tips can also be reported anonymously by texting “danvillepd” and the tip to 888-777.

Photo courtesy Danville Police Department